Multi-Talented Joe James, Jr. Returns Home for Successful World Premier of His New Docu-drama Honoring His Hero, the Legendary Arthur Ashe
New York-based actor Joe James, Jr. recently returned home to Norfolk, VA for the successful world premier of Arthur: A Celebration of Life: The Life Story of Tennis Great Arthur Ashe…A Spiritual Journey. It was a twenty-something year journey that brought the multi-talented James full circle back to a hometown crowd to honor one of Virginia's favorite sons. The docu-drama honoring James' hero celebrates Ashe’s life and achievements both on and off the tennis court. The eighty-minute docu-drama film premiered at the Nauticus: National Maritime Center in Norfolk, VA in May.
New York City, NY (PRWEB) July 26, 2005 -- New York-based actor Joe James Jr.
recently returned home to Norfolk, Virginia, for the successful world premier of
Arthur: A Celebration of Life: The Life Story of Tennis Great Arthur Ashe…A
Spiritual Journey. It was a twenty-something year journey that brought the
multi-talented James full circle back to a hometown crowd to honor one of
Virginia's favorite sons. The docu-drama film honoring James' hero celebrates
Ashe's life and achievements both on and off the tennis court. The eighty-minute
docu-drama premiered at the Nauticus: National Maritime Center in Norfolk,
Virginia in May.
Joe James Jr., of Hampton Roads, Virginia, was inspired
as a young man when he saw Arthur Ashe playing tennis on television. More than
twenty years, the multi-talented James paid tribute to his hero and fellow
Virginian by writing, directing, and producing a docu-drama about the legendary
tennis great, Hall of Famer, sport commentator, author, philanthropist, and
activist. The world premier not far from Arthur Ashe's hometown was an
unqualified success with the audience on its feet for a standing ovation before
the credits began to roll.
Audience members' reactions indicated the
docu-drama had made strong impressions on them. “By watching this, I learned so
much about Arthur Ashe; it was very spiritual, uplifting and educational,” said
Glenda Johnson, a copy editor from Washington, D.C. A retired gentleman named
Pete, from Norfolk, said, “I really felt the presence of Arthur Ashe in this
film. I knew him and his father personally and [James captured his essence, and
spirit.” “This is a wonderful piece of work. More people need to see this,” said
Marty Terry, from Richmond. “I'm glad that [James brought this to Virginia for
its premier. Arthur was loved by all and his story needs to be shown to all,”
said Dr. Herman D. Clark, Jr. of Norfolk.
The docu-drama has already won
Joe James, Jr. the Younity Guild Award for "Best Producer, Director and Actor in
a Docu-Drama." James, who is also a screenwriter and lyricist, says, “I was
looking for the perfect song for the Wimbledon scene. I needed something that
sounded Urban and retro yet had a sophisticated undertone. I asked my friend
Alicia Keys if I could use her song 'The Life' from her multi-Platinum first
album. The song works perfectly, as if she wrote it for that particular
scene.”
Dubbed “A Tribute and Labor of Love Project” by its producers
Dink Entertainment and JHJ Productions, the film features Joe James, Jr. as
Arthur Ashe; Cal Ramsey, formerly of the New York Knicks, plays Arthur Ashe Sr.;
and Alicia Key's mother Terria Joseph plays Billie Jean King. The eighty-minute
docu-drama was shot on location in Richmond, Norfolk, and Suffolk, Virginia, as
well as in New York City. It is now making the film festival
circuit.
Commenting on Arthur Ashe, Jr. as a role model and his spiritual
mentor, James said, "As a child, I looked up to Arthur Ashe as a stellar beam of
hope. He gave me the incentive and motivation to 'follow through' on my dreams
with determination and specific goals." Says James, “I salute Arthur Ashe
because he saved my life. He gave me hope and inspiration as a little boy. He
literally saved my life. I am a better man because he lived. I didn't know any
other way to thank him except by making a docu-drama about him. Arthur Ashe was
and is my hero.”
For more information about the new docu-drama or Joe
James, Jr. contact: Pamela Riley at (614) 937-1886.
Media
contact:
Pamela Riley, Publicist
Angel PR
(614) 937-1886
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb263499.htm